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Dear Parents and Caregivers
Kia ora koutou.
Over the term break, many of our students and staff have been busy, especially with the Senior College students’ rehearsals for our production of Twelfth Night, a vibrant and modern musical twist on Shakespeare's cherished comedy. Tickets to see this exciting and fun show are still available – see more in the notices. This production leads off what will be a busy term in performing arts, with other upcoming events including the Orchestra/Chamber Concert (Tuesday 20 May), StAC Rock Night (Thursday 22 May), Festival of the Spoken Word (Tuesday 10 June) and the Ballet Winter Showcase (Friday 13 June).
Also, over the holidays, my wife Judi and I were delighted to support a selection of our Senior rugby boys competing at the 35th Annual Presbyterian Schools’ Quadrangular Rugby Tournament, hosted by Lindisfarne College in Hastings (Monday 14 – Wednesday 16 April). I was impressed with the faith our boys showed in putting their confidence and skills into action, dispatching Scots College (Wellington) 69–17, then losing a very competitive and tough final to St Kentigern’s College (Auckland) 12–39. This tournament followed on from our rugby tour, with three games played in Australia, all as part of their pre-season preparation.
There were several other sporting competitions over the holidays, including the Girls’ hockey team playing a tournament here in Christchurch, and the Boys’ hockey team travelling to Hamilton for their pre-season tournament. There were also individual athletes competing at the South Island Secondary Schools Athletics Championships, with an impressive 17 of our students making finals and gaining medals. In addition, 10 students competed in various teams at the South Island Secondary Schools Adventure Race hosted in Kaikoura, with a number placing in different events.
I look forward to seeing all our winter sports starting their new seasons in the coming weeks, with all the camaraderie of team sports, personal development, and challenges that sport offers. I would note that already this week I have enjoyed cheering on our Girls’ Senior A netball team to an impressive 38–34 win over St Margaret’s College, a great start for our girls within the very competitive Premier 2 Grade.
In terms of new challenges, our Year 8 students will be departing over the next few weeks to our Castle Hill facility for their fun and challenging outdoor education camp. This follows our very successful Year 9 Castle Hill camps during Term 1, which, with half this cohort new to St Andrew’s, served as an important way to build relationships and settle into the Secondary School.
Anzac Day was celebrated over the term break, an annual occasion that has always been important for St Andrew’s as it was established in 1917, amid the final stages of World War I. This year, we also recognise the construction of the original Memorial Chapel 70 years ago. The Memorial Chapel honoured those past pupils and staff who served and died during World War II and in other military service. I acknowledge Old Collegian, Daryll Fell (OC 1991) who served with both the New Zealand and Australian Defence Forces, and his ongoing research which has identified 687 Old Collegians and 26 teachers and staff who answered the call of duty during 1939–1945 (WWII). It was an honour to be part of this year’s Anzac Service in our Centennial Chapel, where we continued our College’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the sacrifice and service of so many former students and staff is never forgotten.
Anzac Day Chapel Service Flickr >
St Andrew’s College’s ongoing commitment to Anzac Day and New Zealand history has been recognised nationally, with a special feature published in the recent edition of the Education Gazette. You can read this article online by clicking here.
I would like to conclude with noting the excellent professional development sessions run with our Secondary School teachers on the Staff Professional Development Day (Monday 28 April) at the start of this term. The focus was on understanding how the adolescent brain works, what motivates them, and how best to create a high challenge and high support environment. This work brings together new research in neuroscience and positive psychology, which we intend to be a strategic priority for our staff in the coming years. A great read for parents interested in this area includes Dr David Yeager’s book (2024) 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People.
All the very best for this exciting new school term ahead.
Ngā mihi mahana
Mark Wilson
Rector
The South Island Secondary Schools Athletics Championships was held in Nelson in early April, with 17 students competing from St Andrew’s College. Together they made 36 finals and medalled 17 times, with 12 gold, three silver, and two bronze medals awarded.
Our pipe band students were privileged and honoured to be performing in various Anzac Day services and parades throughout the South Island – St Andrew's College, Akaroa, Arrowtown, Avebury House, Burlington Village, Burwood Hospital, Cavendish Home, Leeston, Mountainview Village (Timaru), Twizel and Victoria Park.
Flickr >
On Thursday 24 April, Emily Watt and Lucy Binnie (both Year 12) each delivered a speech for the residents of Nurse Maude during their annual Anzac service. Both students were inspired by their own families’ experiences of war. They both delivered their speeches again at the Preparatory School Anzac Service on the first day of term.
Thirty-five students from Years 11–13 embarked on either the Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Awards Adventurous Journey in the first week of the holidays. Castle Hill instructors guided four groups through various locations over 3–4 days, including Mount Somers, Mount Oxford and the Lake Sumner.
Fifty members of our U18 rugby squad visited the Gold Coast for a pre-season tour, hosted at The Southport School. Playing against The Southport School, St Joseph's Nudgee College, and Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie), the 1st XV played three games and won one, while the 2nd XV played three games, losing all three. Adjusting to the hot temperatures and developing combinations were the challenge, mixed in with this was focussed training, recovery, and lots of fun team activities which the players all enjoyed immensely.
fLICKR >A squad of 18 boys travelled to Hamilton to compete in the Senior Boys’ Hockey Anzac Tournament. Over the three days, the boys played five matches, winning three and drawing one.
Two teams competed in the Senior Girls’ Hockey Anzac Tournament in Christchurch. They each played five games over three days, with the Blue team winning two games and drawing one, while the White team did not win any of their games.
FLICKR >
At the South Island Secondary Schools Adventure Race in Kaikoura, 10 St Andrew’s students competed in various teams and race categories, from the 12-hour race to the 3-hour race. Cohnor Walsh (Year 12) teamed up with two students from other schools and came second in 12-hour Open Schools event. Abigail Scott-Douglas and Joshua Morrow (both Year 12) won the 6-hour Open Schools event representing St Andrew’s College.
Following on from a very successful pre-season rugby tour to the Gold Coast, our 1st XV attended the 35th Presbyterian Rugby Quad Tournament hosted at Lindisfarne College. This annual event is a special tournament that celebrates the rich character and Presbyterian values of each school.
St Andrew’s started strongly winning their first game 67–17 against Scots College. A rest day followed, and then the team faced Auckland A1 finalists, Saint Kentigern College (who defeated Lindisfarne) in the final. In a fierce battle, both teams tried to impose themselves physically to lay a platform for the backs to attack from. Saint Kentigern managed to dominate the line out, which had a huge influence on the possession stakes in the game. St Andrew’s played with courage and determination but went down 39–12 in an exciting encounter.
FLICKR >The Girls’ and Boys’ Senior A 3x3 basketball teams competed at the New Zealand Secondary Schools 3x3 Basketball Championships in Tauranga. The Senior Boys’ team finished third in New Zealand and the Senior Girls’ team finished second. Bronson Curtis (Year 13) and Ava Jones (Year 12) were selected into the All-Star 4 for the tournament, being among the top four most valuable players in the Girls’ and Boys’ Championships.
Flickr >
The Pre-school seeks to foster a sense of tangata whenuatanga (belonging) and respect for the diverse cultures of its whānau, by celebrating important festivals and holidays from around the world. During the final week of Term 1, the children explored ideas and understandings of Easter through creating Easter-inspired art, making delicious Easter baking, and while the Easter Bunny was a little too busy to visit Pre-school in person, he did ask one of his helpers to visit in his place to deliver some Easter Eggs.
Flickr >At the end of Term 1, the Ballet Academy enjoyed four full days of classes with Specialist Dance Educator, Neve Pierce, from the Royal New Zealand Ballet (RNZB). Dancers from Years 4–6 experienced a new repertoire from the current RNZB production of Dazzlehands – a children’s ballet choreographed by Principal Dancer, Joshua Guillemot-Rodgerson (OC 2013), who is also the St Andrew’s College Ballet Academy Patron. The Year 7–8 dancers learnt a new lyrical dance and had the opportunity to choregraph a small piece of their own work. All Secondary School dancers learnt new contemporary style performance pieces for presentation later in the year, including a new collaborative piece to be performed at Prizegiving at the Wolfbrook Arena. For the first time this will be accompanied by the College orchestra – an exciting endeavour.
Flickr >
As part of our Year 9 theme of belonging, several initiatives have been organised to help students feel more connected to the College and their peers. These activities are co-ordinated through tutor classes, with each group competing in various events to determine an overall winner by the end of the year.
The first event was a Wearable Arts competition, where students were tasked with creating two outfits from recyclable materials that tied into the theme of belonging. This week, some courageous students presented their innovative designs to their peers, while others volunteered as the models to showcase the outfits ‘on the runway’. The atmosphere was electric, with students cheering on their classmates and celebrating the creativity on display. We were fortunate to have the Rector, Mark Wilson, join us as our guest judge to determine final placings. After much deliberation, the ultimate winner was tutor group 9LJA.
Flickr >Good Reads @ StAC is an initiative for students to promote anything they have recently read, while articulating which aspects of it they enjoyed. Through this, akōnga and whānau can see what other students are reading and enjoying within the school. Research shows that regular reading offers significant benefits to students' academic, social, and emotional development. As part of the English Department’s ongoing focus on promoting reading in our community, students and staff are being encouraged to recommend books that they have enjoyed through the Good Reads @ StAC website page.
Starting next week, every Thursday at 1.00pm, will have students and staff alike introducing a book they enjoy and reading an excerpt or a chapter to an audience in The Green Library and Innovation Centre. This will be themed with things happening around the school, the country, or the world. Week 2 is New Zealand Sign Language Week, so with English teacher, Hannah Gallagher, and Head of Senior College, John Ruge, the novel for this week will feature a deaf protagonist. Between both Good Reads @ StAC and First Chapter Thursday, the College is working towards a goal of promoting reading and literacy to the entire community.
GOOD READS @ STAC >
At the Christchurch Tap Dancing Teachers Association (CTDTA) dance competition, Tavé Stuart (Year 13) placed first in Ballet Championship and Classical, and second in Barefoot and Variation. Cameron Lyons (Year 10) placed second in the Ballet Championship.
Shey Doerner-Corson (Year 12) raced in Round 2 of the New Zealand Hard Enduro Championship Series over Easter Weekend. After three days of racing in Wānaka in some very challenging weather, he placed third overall.
Over the term break, pipe band members have been in full flow competing in several solo drumming and piping events. In conjunction with the Royal New Zealand Pipe Band Association, the Oceania Solo Drumming Championships 2025 were held in the Rangi Ruru Girls’ School Auditorium on Saturday 5 April. The Hawke’s Bay Easter Highland Gathering took place on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 April and is one of the major events in the solo piping calendar. The 127th Mackenzie A&P Highland Show took place on Easter Monday in Fairlie.
Flickr >The Equestrian team of Georgia Lewis (Year 12), Georgia Grant (Year 9) and Addison Bailey (Year 10) competed in the Canterbury Secondary Schools Showjumping and Showhunter during the term break. The girls enjoyed some sunny weather conditions throughout their three rounds of jumping. The courses and grounds proved slightly challenging. Georgia Grant placed fifth in the 105cm AM5 with instant jump off round. It was great to see the riders having a go at in showhunter ring, which was a new experience for some.
Ethan Waines (Year 9) has passed his LTCL Live Piano examination with Distinction.
Samuel Hu (Year 10) is in the children's chorus for New Zealand Opera's La Boheme.
Keira-Leigh Watt (Year 9) attended the National Age Group Swimming during the second week of the term break in Hawkes Bay. Keira qualified for six events, making the finals for four events, and earnt six new long course personal bests. Her results were 5th 800m freestyle; 6th 50m Backstroke; 7th 400m freestyle; 10th 200m back; 12th 100m Backstroke; 16th 200m Freestyle.
Samantha Bilton (Year 11) competed at the Hawkes Bay Easter Highland Gathering in the U16 events, winning a North Island Championship in the Highland Fling, and was runner-up Most Points over the two-day event.
The Preparatory School Kids’ Lit Quiz team took part in the Canterbury Kids' Lit Quiz Regional Heat on Tuesday 1 April – Carter Summerfield, Aoife Forsyth, Lana Rogers, Jacob Wang, Aneel Bartlett (all Year 8), Jack Blyde, Alfred Lash and Jessica Whitehead (Year 7). With 38 teams competing, the morning was very exciting with many tricky questions and some high-scoring rounds. Both teams battled hard and came away with great results, including a couple of individual spot prizes.
Claire Zhao (Year 7) won the March essay competition for the Scottish Book Trust 50-Word Fiction competition, 5–11 age group, with the prompt 'Write us a story featuring a bookcase.'
William Ballin, Toby Park, and Adam Beaman (all Year 12) were successful at defending their National Flag Football title along with the rest of the Canterbury Youth Flag Football Team at the end of March. The team went right through the three-day tournament unbeaten, including against the top Auckland side in the semi-final, and then against Tauranga in the final, which they won 50–19.
Over the holidays, some of tennis players represented Canterbury in the Interprovincial Teams events. Marija Filipovic (Year 11) played in the U17 Canterbury team which placed third. Mia McHarg (Year 10), Zoe Kelso, Tom Dawson, and Haolin (Harley) Xiong (all Year 9) represented the U14 Canterbury team which placed fourth.
Genevieve Wallis (Year 11) competed at the Canterbury Regional Championships at Lake Hood in mid-March, before representing Canterbury at the New Zealand Waterski National Championships at Lake Harwood, Mid Canterbury over Easter. She had a fantastic tournament with five personal best results over six skis.
Noah Cole (Year 13) was a member of the New Zealand Secondary Schools (NZSS) U19 football team which toured Australia over the term break. The team made history by going unbeaten, marking their most successful results in over two decades. During the tour, the NZSS U19 squad played several tough club sides, played New South Wales (NSW), and wrapped things up with a thrilling 2–2 draw in an international clash against Australia. Noah was presented with the award for NZ U19 Team Player of the Tour. The coaching staff highlighted his exceptional work rate, strong leadership, especially when he captained New Zealand against NSW, and his consistently top-level performances throughout the tour.
Liam Randall (Year 13) and Luca Rose (Year 12) took part in the 2025 ICF Canoe Polo Oceania Championships during the Easter break as part of the New Zealand Men's U18B team, winning silver.
Roma Tuimaunei (Year 12) has been selected in the New Zealand basketball U16 team traveling to Mongolia for the FIBA U16 Asia Cup.
Football Co-ordinator, Juan Chang, coached the Samoa U17 women’s national team in their competition in Dallas, Texas over the holidays. The Dallas Cup appearance was part of Samoa’s preparation for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco in October.
Joel Lam (OC 2020) has joined the Brisbane rugby league club, Souths Logan Magpies, after a brief stint with the Hornby Panthers this season. Joel has an impressive background, having captained Burnside in the Metro rugby competition, been part of the Crusaders academy, and even earning a Super Rugby cap
The 90th OCA Golf Tournament was played on Friday 4 April at Waitikiri Golf Club. The tournament took place under sweltering autumn skies, with over 100 golfers on course. Congratulations to Leo Carter (OC 2012) who won the Old Boys' Golf Cup and will now play in the Strowan Rose Bowl in November. A heartfelt thank you goes to Michael Simcock (OC 2011) for his tremendous effort in organising the event, to Kevin Simcock and Michael Wells (OC 1979) for meticulously marking all the cards, and to Mike 'Scrump' Johnston (OC 1974) for arranging the raffle prizes. We also extend our gratitude to Rod Templeton (OC 1972) and the Waitikiri Golf Club, our sponsors, and all the Old Collegians and friends of the College who supported this event. All proceeds from the tournament will benefit St Andrew's College cricket.
FLICKR >Good luck to all students who are representing the College over the weekend in sports and cultural activities including:
St Andrew's College proudly presents Twelfth Night, a vibrant and modern musical twist on Shakespeare's cherished comedy, created by Shaina Taub. Join us as our talented senior students bring the classic tale of mistaken identities and romance to life in a fresh and exciting way.
This musical adaptation blends Shakespeare’s sharp wit with a bold, contemporary soundtrack. Featuring an eclectic mix of folk, pop, and soul, the performance will have you tapping your feet and humming along to the tunes long after the final bow.
Step into a world brimming with mischief, love, and witty wordplay. With dazzling performances, vibrant choreography, and a unique musical score, Twelfth Night promises to be an unforgettable experience.
When: Sunday 4 May – Saturday 10 May (no show Wednesday)
Where: Gough Family Theatre, Ngā Toi – Performing Arts Centre
Tickets: Adults $35.00 | Students $17.50
On Thursday 22 and Friday 23 May, Year 10–11 students will be completing compulsory online assessments for NCEA in Literacy and Numeracy. Year 10 students will complete Reading on the morning of Thursday 22 May and Numeracy on the morning of Friday 23 May. Year 11 students, most of whom sat some assessments in Year 10, will sit Writing on the afternoon of Thursday 22 May and a few students will also complete Reading and/or Numeracy. Students are required to use their own laptop and will login to each assessment using the NZQA website and their NZQA Learner Login. Gaining an NCEA certificate requires students to pass the three assessments that are assessed in schools twice each year, with the first opportunity being in May. Each assessment is designed to be completed in about an hour, but students may take less time, or longer. Results will be available to students through their Learner Login within 6–8 weeks.
Please note, the annual Ballet photo for all Year 1–13 dancers will take place in Week 6, on Friday 6 June, 8.00am–8.35am in Gym 1.
The Pipe Band Ceilidh for 2025 has been cancelled. Thank you to those who purchased tickets in support of the Pipe Band.
Please look out for our next event, StAC Attack 2025, coming soon.
The following 2025 school photographs are now available to purchase online:
Details of how to order the photographs can be found on our website using the button below and you will need to log into StACNet using your St Andrew's College login.
If you have any questions relating to this service, please email photography@stac.school.nz
For any illness, students should stay home if unwell. Any student should also feel free to wear a mask if they wish to do so while at school.
For any absence, whether ill-health (including COVID-19) or otherwise, the College’s preferred platform for reporting this is via our online form which can be found at the button below:
If you are not able to report your child's absence using the online form, please report their absence via the relevant email address below. If you cannot get through to us via the form or email, please call our attendance line on +64 3 940 2031 (term time only).
The Community Business Directory is on our website and represents over 100 parent businesses. Please take a look at how many businesses you can support locally.
The St Andrew's College Community Business Directory >
If you would still like to register your business, complete the following form.
Community Business Directory Registration >
